Daily Readings - Thu Nov 22 2018
Revelation
1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Luke
41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.43For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,44And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound themes of revelation, judgment, and redemption. The first reading from Revelation 5:1-10 presents a vision of Jesus as the Lamb, worthy to open the sealed book. This book symbolizes God's plan and judgment, and only Jesus, through His sacrifice, can unlock it. The scene is one of worship, with creatures and elders praising Jesus for His redemption of all people. The Gospel from Luke 19:41-44 shows Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, lamenting the city's failure to recognize God's visitation, which leads to prophesied destruction. This highlights the sorrow of unmet spiritual awareness.
Both readings connect through the theme of recognizing God's presence and plan. Revelation reveals Jesus as the key to understanding God's judgment and redemption, while Luke illustrates the consequences of spiritual blindness. Together, they urge us to be attentive to God's presence in our lives. Just as Jerusalem missed its moment, we must not overlook ours. Jesus' sacrifice, as the Lamb, is central to this understanding, offering redemption and urging us to respond to God's visitation.
The moral lesson here is clear: spiritual awareness is crucial. We must recognize and respond to God's presence to avoid spiritual downfall. Let us reflect on our own lives, ensuring we are attentive to God's visitation, embracing His plan, and living in the light of His redemption.